There has been some confusion as to the naming of Bulla and Atys species in
Florida.  I have felt that all of these bubble shells I've commonly found in
Florida's shallow waters were confined to two species of Atys and one (maybe
two) of Bulla.  I place in synonymy A. caribaeus and riiseanus, with A.
caribaeus senior; treat A. sharpi as a full species, and doubt that A.
sandersoni is present in Florida.  See photos and comparison at
http://z14.invisionfree.com/Conchologist_Forum/index.php?showtopic=1142 .

I've adopted the use of Bulla occidentalis for the western Atlantic Bulla
(in lieu of B. striata) and also given B. umbilicata tentative species
status.  See photos and comparison at
http://z14.invisionfree.com/Conchologist_Forum/index.php?showtopic=1166 .

I'd certainly like to hear others' thoughts and comments on these species
distinctions.
Marlo
merritt island, fl

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